Allama Muhammad Iqbal

Known for

Gave the idea of a separate Muslim state (1930)

Biography

Poet-philosopher from Sialkot who in his 1930 Allahabad Address proposed a Muslim state in north-western India. He attended the second and third Round Table Conferences and, in letters to Jinnah (1936–37), urged him to lead the Muslims towards a separate homeland. He died before Pakistan was created and is honoured as the national poet.

Contributions

• Allahabad Address (1930)
• Letters to Jinnah urging a separate Muslim state
• Member of the Punjab Legislative Council (1927–30)
• Poetry that inspired Muslim self-confidence